Stronghold is a veterinary spot-on medicine for cats and dogs that contains selamectin, a broad-spectrum antiparasitic active ingredient. It is used against several external and internal parasites. Stronghold may be prescribed for flea treatment and prevention, ear mites, biting lice, adult roundworms and selected other parasites. In cats, it is also licensed for adult intestinal hookworms, while in dogs it can be used for sarcoptic mange.
Monthly use can prevent heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis where mosquito exposure creates a risk, although Stronghold does not kill adult heartworms. Because parasite risks vary with age, weight, travel, lifestyle and local exposure, a vet will decide whether Stronghold is appropriate and which pipette strength is needed. Stronghold is a prescription-only veterinary medicine for animals from six weeks of age and must be used according to the dispensing instructions.
Stronghold contains selamectin, which belongs to th...
Stronghold is a veterinary spot-on medicine for cats and dogs that contains selamectin, a broad-spectrum antiparasitic active ingredient. It is used against several external and internal parasites. Stronghold may be prescribed for flea treatment and prevention, ear mites, biting lice, adult roundworms and selected other parasites. In cats, it is also licensed for adult intestinal hookworms, while in dogs it can be used for sarcoptic mange.
Monthly use can prevent heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis where mosquito exposure creates a risk, although Stronghold does not kill adult heartworms. Because parasite risks vary with age, weight, travel, lifestyle and local exposure, a vet will decide whether Stronghold is appropriate and which pipette strength is needed. Stronghold is a prescription-only veterinary medicine for animals from six weeks of age and must be used according to the dispensing instructions.
Stronghold contains selamectin, which belongs to the macrocyclic lactone group of antiparasitic medicines. After the liquid is placed directly onto the skin, selamectin is absorbed and distributed through the body. It acts on chloride channels within susceptible parasites, disrupting nerve and muscle activity so that the parasite becomes paralysed and dies. Against fleas, Stronghold has adulticidal, larvicidal and ovicidal effects: it kills adult fleas, kills larvae and prevents production of viable eggs. This helps interrupt the flea life cycle for one month after a dose and can reduce contamination in areas the animal uses. Selamectin also reaches concentrations that act against susceptible mites, lice and nematodes. Its persistence allows a monthly dosing interval when ongoing prevention is required, but the schedule is not identical for every parasite. A single application may be sufficient for some infections, whereas sarcoptic mange in dogs requires treatment in two consecutive months and heartworm prevention relies on regular monthly administration.
Parasite disease can look different from one pet to another. Flea infestation may cause mild irritation, but sensitised animals can develop flea allergy dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition triggered by flea saliva. Ear mites can cause otitis externa, while roundworms and hookworms may affect gastrointestinal health. Sarcoptic mange can produce severe pruritus and skin damage. Signs that warrant veterinary advice include:
These signs are not specific to parasites, and some affected pets show little outward change. Stronghold should therefore not be used as a substitute for examination when a pet is unwell, the diagnosis is uncertain, the skin is infected or symptoms continue after treatment. Severe weakness, breathing difficulty, collapse, seizures, persistent vomiting or very pale gums require prompt veterinary attention.
Stronghold is supplied in weight-matched, single-dose pipettes. Cat presentations contain 15mg, 45mg or 60mg of selamectin for their weight bands, while dog presentations include 15mg, 30mg, 60mg, 120mg, 240mg and 360 mgstrengths. Larger dogs may require an appropriate combination of pipettes prescribed by a vet. Weigh the pet before treatment and never select a smaller dose simply to use less medicine. To apply Stronghold, remove the pipette from its packaging, puncture the seal, then part the coat at the base of the neck in front of the shoulder blades until the skin is visible. Place the tip against dry skin and empty the entire pipette in one spot without massaging. Applying it high on the neck reduces the chance of licking. Do not put Stronghold into the ear canal, give it by mouth or apply it to wet hair. Shampooing or bathing two or more hours later should not reduce efficacy, but the treated area should be allowed to dry before handling.
With fleas, most immature stages are in the home rather than on the animal, so vacuuming, washing pet bedding and treating every suitable pet in the household may be advised. New fleas can continue to emerge even while Stronghold is working, particularly after a heavy environmental infestation. Consistent monthly treatment helps break this cycle, but missed or delayed doses may allow it to restart. Ear disease may need cleaning or additional therapy if bacteria or yeast are also present, and dogs treated for ear mites should be re-examined after about 30 days because some need a second dose. Pets travelling to heartworm areas need a timetable planned around mosquito exposure and may require testing; Stronghold targets developing heartworm larvae but is not an adulticide. Stronghold is also different from Stronghold Plus, and owners should not assume that the two products have identical parasite coverage. Use only the product named on the prescription for that individual pet, follow the stated interval and seek veterinary review when symptoms persist.
What is Stronghold used for in cats and dogs?
Stronghold is used for flea treatment and prevention, ear mites, adult roundworms and heartworm prevention in cats and dogs. It also treats biting lice in both species, hookworms in cats and sarcoptic mange in dogs. The exact indication and treatment schedule depend on the species, weight and veterinary diagnosis.
How does Stronghold kill parasites?
Stronghold contains selamectin, a macrocyclic lactone antiparasitic. After spot-on application, it is absorbed through the skin and distributed systemically. It disrupts chloride-channel activity in susceptible fleas, mites, lice and worms, causing paralysis and death. Against fleas, it also acts on larvae and prevents viable egg production.
How often should Stronghold be applied?
Stronghold is commonly applied monthly for ongoing flea or heartworm prevention, but not every condition uses the same schedule. Some mite, lice or worm infections may need one dose, while sarcoptic mange in dogs requires dosing in two consecutive months. Always follow the interval written by the prescribing vet.
How do I apply Stronghold correctly?
Part the coat at the base of the neck, just in front of the shoulder blades, until you can see dry skin. Empty the complete pipette onto one spot without rubbing it in. Do not apply Stronghold to wet hair, place it in the ear canal or give it by mouth.
Why can I still see fleas after using Stronghold?
Flea eggs, larvae and pupae can remain in carpets, bedding and furnishings after the pet is treated. Newly emerged fleas may therefore appear for a time before the household life cycle is controlled. Continue treatment at the prescribed interval and follow veterinary advice on vacuuming, washing bedding and treating other pets.
Can my pet be bathed after Stronghold is applied?
Bathing, shampooing or soaking the pet two or more hours after Stronghold is applied should not reduce its efficacy. Apply the medicine only to dry skin and allow the site to dry before handling. Keep the treated animal away from flames, sparks and other ignition sources for at least 30 minutes.
